Southern Utah Veterans Association Unveils Ambitious Healing Center Project

The Southern Utah Veterans Association (SUVA) is moving forward with an ambitious plan to build a healing and arts center for veterans, first responders, and others suffering from PTSD. Speaking on the Big Picture Morning Show on KSUB radio, SUVA President Chuck Waddell and Vice President Jerry Van Iwaarden shared updates on the project and its wide-reaching community impact.

After a lengthy search, SUVA secured the option to purchase 20 acres of land just north of Enoch on Old Highway 91, thanks to local developer Spencer Jones and his family. “We have five years to pay for it,” said Waddell, “but we’re hoping to pay for it immediately so we can get this project going.”

The proposed facility, which will not be residential, includes a 30,000-square-foot building with creative arts spaces, metal and woodworking areas, and a community bakery and café. There will also be a 300-seat open-air amphitheater and a replica of the Vietnam Wall facing I-15. “It’s not just for veterans,” Van Iwaarden emphasized. “It’s for first responders, police, firefighters, dispatchers, even children who’ve experienced trauma.”

The center is designed to foster community, creativity, and healing. Van Iwaarden noted that his own daughter, a 911 dispatcher, suffers from PTSD, underscoring how widespread the issue is. “We want people to find relief through art, to find community, and to find hope,” he said.

Southern Utah Vets Are Collection Funds Now

Fundraising is underway, with an estimated total project cost of $30 million. Van Iwaarden reported that approximately $4.5 million in designated funding has already been committed, including a future donation of stock expected to be worth around $2 million. SUVA is actively engaging with potential donors and public officials at all levels, including Governor Cox, Representative Celeste Maloy, and Senator Mike Lee. “One potential donor said this is the biggest thing for PTSD sufferers in five states,” Van Iwaarden added.

While the long-term goal is the completion of the new center, SUVA is already making an impact. The organization has helped local veterans with home repairs, built wheelchair ramps, and supported widows of veterans. Waddell also spoke about the organization's support for Civil Air Patrol cadets and recent partnerships with groups like Quilts of Valor and Intermountain Health.

Waddell highlighted ongoing challenges with veterans’ services in Iron County, including limited access to prescriptions and medical care. SUVA is advocating for a new VA facility to be located on the same property as the future healing center.

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The effort has also brought together a coalition of organizations, including the American Legion, VFW, SUU Veterans Resource Center, and the Utah Department of Workforce Services. A recent regional meeting, organized by Sue Monk of Workforce Services, brought together multiple veterans support groups and is laying the groundwork for future collaboration.

For more information or to donate, visit suveterans.com, or contact Chuck Waddell directly at 907-252-1365. Donations are tax-deductible under SUVA’s 501(c)(3) status. Mailing address: 1352 N 7100 W, Cedar City, UT 84721.

You can listen to our visit with Waddell and Van Iwaarden in the podcast below.